Sixty Years Later - What Were They Thinking?

Hey folks,

I saw this film in 1953 when I was a young lad at the local Saturday matinee, and at that time I thought it was pretty good "Western." Now, nearly sixty years later, I just watched the film again, and all I can say is, "What were they thinking then?"

As mentioned in other threads here, the characters are using center fire cartridge six-gun revolvers in six-gun styled holsters and cartridge belts. As far as being period correct, they missed the barn by about 12 yards. The Colt centerfire revolver first came in widespread use in 1873. The battle at the Alamo took place in 1836 - about 37 years out of place for the six-gun.

When I watched this film tonight, I could not help but wonder what the folk who made this film were thinking. As a young lad in 1953, I did not realize the six-guns were so far out of place, but surely the director, Glen Ford, and most other adults connected to the making of this film should have known the use of six-guns was a glaring mistake.

I think the concept of the story was a good one, and I like good stories. It just seems to me the film folks ruined what should have been a good story by their disregard for period accuracy that could have easily been achieved if they wanted to do so.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile